Methods and apparatuses for gene purification and imaging

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to systems, devices and methods for nucleic acid or protein purification and imaging. A system is provided including a cartridge comprising a sample input area configured to hold a sample, comprising a plurality of hybridized complexes comprising a plurality of target molecules each hybridized with probes and a plurality of non-hybridized probes. The cartridge may also include a first binding chamber configured with first magnetic beads to receive and bind the sample, a first elution channel configured to receive the first magnetic beads and elute the sample from the first magnetic beads, a second binding chamber configured with second magnetic beads to receive and bind the sample, a second elution channel configured to receive the second magnetic beads and elute the sample from the second magnetic beads, and a binding area configured to receive the eluted sample and hold molecules for imaging.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/083,681, filed Nov. 24, 2014. Thecontents of the aforementioned application are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has beensubmitted in ASCII format via EFS-Web and is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Nov. 23, 2015, isnamed NATE-023_ST25.txt and is 815 bytes in size.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present innovations generally address molecular sample digitalcounting, and more particularly, include methods and apparatuses fornucleic acid and protein sample purification and imaging of associatedmolecular barcodes.

However, in order to develop a reader's understanding of theinnovations, disclosures have been compiled into a single description toillustrate and clarify how aspects of these innovations operateindependently, interoperate as between individual innovations, and/orcooperate collectively. The application goes on to further describe theinterrelations and synergies as between the various innovations; all ofwhich is to further compliance with 35 U.S.C. § 112.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Scientists use a plurality of methods to purify and detect molecules.Conventional systems have fluidics and imaging of molecular barcodes inseparate instruments, have one illumination channel per emissionchannel, and have inefficient methods of moving the sample through thepurification and imaging machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems, devices and methods for nucleicacid or protein purification and imaging.

An aspect of the present invention provides a cartridge configured forpurifying a hybridized target molecule sample and imaging the hybridizedtarget molecule. The cartridge comprises a sample input area, a firstbinding chamber, a first elution channel, a second binding chamber, asecond elution channel, and a binding area.

In this aspect, the sample input area may be configured to hold a targetmolecule sample, e.g., comprising a plurality of hybridized complexes(which include a plurality of target molecules each hybridized with afirst probe and/or a second probe), a plurality of non-hybridized firstprobes, and a plurality of non-hybridized second probes. The firstbinding chamber may be configured to receive and/or contain a firstaffinity matrix and/or to receive the sample. The first affinity matrixmay be functionalized with first molecules configured to bind with thenon-hybridized first probes and/or hybridized complexes of the sampleduring a first period of time. The first binding chamber may beadditionally configured to receive a first buffer to removenon-hybridized second probes from the sample after the non-hybridizedfirst probes and/or hybridized complexes of the sample bind with thefirst affinity matrix. The first elution channel may be configured toreceive the first affinity matrix after the first period of time and/orconfigured for heating the first affinity matrix to elute a first elutedsample comprising the plurality of hybridized complexes and/or pluralityof non-hybridized first probes. The second binding chamber may beconfigured to receive and/or contain a second affinity matrix and/or toreceive the first eluted sample. The second affinity matrix may befunctionalized with second molecules configured to bind with thehybridized complexes during a second period of time. The second bindingchamber may be additionally configured to receive a second buffer toremove at least non-hybridized first probes. The second elution channelmay be configured to receive the second affinity matrix after the secondperiod of time and/or configured for heating the second affinity matrixto elute a second eluted sample comprising the plurality of hybridizedcomplexes. The binding area may have an active binding surfaceconfigured to receive the second eluted sample and/or bind with thehybridized complexes.

In embodiments of this aspect, the target molecule may be a nucleic acidor a protein. In embodiments, the first affinity matrix and/or thesecond affinity matrix, respectively, correspond to a first set ofmagnetic beads (e.g., oligonucleotide-coupled magnetic beads, e.g., Fmagnetic beads) and/or a second set of magnetic beads (e.g.,oligonucleotide-coupled magnetic beads, e.g., G magnetic beads). Thecartridge may further comprise a plurality of buffer input areas, aplurality of first binding chambers, a plurality of waste output areas,and/or a plurality of bead pads. The bubble vent may be configured toseparate the sample input and/or the first binding chamber and/or toeliminate air bubbles. In embodiments, the active binding surface maycomprise streptavidin, an avidin (e.g., Neutravidin™), oroligonucleotides. In embodiments, the first probes include captureprobes. In embodiments, the second probes include reporter probes. Inembodiments, the cartridge may be operatively coupled to a plurality ofoff-card buffer input valves operatively coupled to a fluidic manifoldand/or a plurality of waste valves. In embodiments, the cartridgefurther comprises a plurality of on-card buffer input valves operativelycoupled to a fluidic manifold. The plurality of off-card buffer inputvalves may be configured to receive the first buffer and/or the secondbuffer from the fluidic manifold and/or provide the buffer to thecartridge. In embodiments, the flow of the second eluted sample onto thebinding area may be done in small steps that may be re-ordered based onpressure profiles. In embodiments, the binding area may be furtherconfigured to receive a solution (e.g., comprising includes G-hooks,anti-fade media, and/or fiducials) formulated to immobilize the secondeluted sample on the active binding surface after stretching with flow.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a cartridge configuredfor purifying a hybridized target molecule sample and imaging thehybridized target molecule. The cartridge comprises a buffer input area,a bubble vent, a first binding chamber, a first elution channel, asecond binding chamber, a second elution channel, and a binding area.

In this aspect, the buffer input area may be configured to hold a targetmolecule sample, e.g., comprising a plurality of hybridized complexes(which include a plurality of target molecules, reporter probes, and/orcapture probes), a plurality of non-hybridized reporter probes, and/or aplurality of non-hybridized capture probes. The bubble vent may beconfigured to separate the sample input and the first binding chamberand/or to eliminate air bubbles. The first binding chamber may beconfigured to receive and/or contain F magnetic beads and/or to receivethe sample. The first binding chamber may be additionally configured toreceive a first buffer to remove non-hybridized reporter probes from thesample after the non-hybridized reporter probes and/or hybridizedcomplexes of the sample bind with the F magnetic beads, which may befunctionalized with first molecules configured to bind with thenon-hybridized reporter probes and/or hybridized complexes of the sampleduring a first period of time. The first elution channel may beconfigured to receive the F magnetic beads after the first period oftime and/or configured for heating the F magnetic beads to elute a firsteluted sample comprising the plurality of hybridized complexes and/orplurality of non-hybridized reporter probes. The second binding chambermay be configured to receive and/or contain G magnetic beads and/or toreceive the first eluted sample. The second binding chamber may beadditionally configured to receive a second buffer to remove at leastnon-hybridized capture probes. The G magnetic beads may befunctionalized with second molecules configured to bind with thehybridized complexes during a second period of time. The second elutionchannel may be configured to receive the G magnetic beads after thesecond period of time and/or configured for heating the G magnetic beadsto elute a second eluted sample comprising the plurality of hybridizedcomplexes. The binding area may have an active binding surfaceconfigured to receive the second eluted sample and/or bind with thehybridized complexes. The cartridge may be operatively coupled to aplurality of off-card buffer input valves operatively coupled to afluidic manifold. The plurality of off-card buffer input valves may beconfigured to receive the first buffer and/or the second buffer from thefluidic manifold and/or provide the first and/or buffer to thecartridge. The plurality of waste valves may be configured to collectthe first and/or second buffer from the cartridge.

In embodiments of this aspect, the target molecule may be a nucleic acidor a protein. In embodiments, the active binding surface may comprisestreptavidin, an avidin (e.g., Neutravidin™), or oligonucleotides.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a system forimaging a plurality of hybridized complexes. The system comprises acartridge of any of the herein described aspects or embodiments, acartridge tray operatively coupled to the system and configured to holdthe cartridge, a first heater operatively coupled to the cartridge, asecond heater operatively coupled to the cartridge, a magnet operativelycoupled to the imaging device below the cartridge tray, a fluidicmanifold operatively coupled to the system above the cartridge tray andconfigured to hold and/or control the flow of a plurality of buffers, aplurality of off-card buffer input valves operatively coupled to thefluidic manifold and the cartridge; a plurality of waste valvesoperatively coupled to the system above the cartridge tray, and animaging reference surface operatively coupled to the imaging deviceabove the cartridge tray.

In embodiments of this aspect, the first heater may be configured toheat the first elution channel. In embodiments, the second heater may beconfigured to heat the second elution channel. In embodiments, themagnet may be configured to move the first magnetic beads and/or thesecond magnetic beads within the first and/or second binding chambersand/or the first and/or second elution channels. In embodiments, themagnet may be configured to move parallel to the cartridge tray. Inembodiments, the plurality of off-card buffer input valves may beconfigured to receive the plurality of buffers from the fluidic manifoldand/or provide the plurality of buffers to the cartridge. Inembodiments, the plurality of waste valves may be configured to collectthe plurality of buffers from the cartridge. In embodiments, the systemfurther comprises a cam contact pad operatively coupled to the imagingdevice and configured to allow preloading against at least one contactpad, at least one adjustable contact between a moving clamp and a baseof the imaging device, the at least one adjustable contact configured toallow for datum A adjustment, and a clamp motor operatively coupled tothe imaging device and configured to move the moving clamp. Inembodiments, at least one of the plurality of off-card buffer inputvalves and the plurality of waste valves operatively coupled to thesystem above the cartridge tray may be pneumatically controlled.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for purifyinga hybridized target molecule sample and imaging the hybridized targetmolecule. The method comprises steps of:

-   -   (a) receiving a hybridized sample, the sample comprising a        plurality of hybridized, complexes comprising target molecules        hybridized with first probes and second probes, a plurality of        non-hybridized first probes, and a plurality of non-hybridized        second probes    -   (b) binding the non-hybridized first probes and hybridized        complexes of the sample to a first affinity matrix during a        first period of time to produce a first mixture,    -   (c) flowing a first buffer through the first mixture to remove        non-hybridized second probes from the first mixture after the        non-hybridized first probes and hybridized complexes of the        sample bind with the first affinity matrix,    -   (d) heating the first mixture to free the non-hybridized first        probes and hybridized complexes from the first affinity matrix        and elute a first eluted sample comprising the plurality of        hybridized complexes and plurality of non-hybridized first        probes,    -   (e) binding the hybridized complexes of the first eluted sample        to a second affinity matrix during a second period of time to        produce a second mixture,    -   (f) flowing a second buffer through the second mixture to remove        the non-hybridized first probes from the first eluted sample        after the hybridized complexes bind with the second affinity        matrix,    -   (g) heating the second mixture to free the hybridized complexes        from the second affinity matrix to elute a second eluted sample        comprising the plurality of hybridized complexes, and    -   (h) binding the hybridized complexes to an active binding        surface for imaging thereof.

In embodiments of this aspect, the target molecule may be a nucleic acidor a protein. In embodiments, the first affinity matrix and the secondaffinity matrix, respectively, correspond to a first set of magneticbeads and a second set of magnetic beads, respectively. In embodiments,the active binding surface may surface may comprise streptavidin, anavidin (e.g., Neutravidin™), or oligonucleotides.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method forpurifying a hybridized target molecule sample and imaging the hybridizedtarget molecule. The method comprising steps of:

-   -   (a) providing the cartridge of any of the herein described        aspects or embodiments,    -   (b) receiving a hybridized sample, the sample comprising a        plurality of hybridized complexes comprising target molecules        hybridized with first probes and second probes, a plurality of        non-hybridized first probes, and a plurality of non-hybridized        second probes,    -   (c) binding the non-hybridized first probes and hybridized        complexes of the sample to a first affinity matrix in a first        binding chamber during a first period of time,    -   (d) flowing a first buffer into the first binding chamber to        remove non-hybridized second probes from the sample after the        non-hybridized first probes and hybridized complexes of the        sample bind with the first affinity matrix,    -   (e) directing the first affinity matrix into a first elution        channel,    -   (f) heating the first affinity matrix to elute a first eluted        sample comprising the plurality of hybridized complexes and        plurality of non-hybridized first probes,    -   (g) binding the hybridized complexes of the first eluted sample        to a second affinity matrix in a second binding chamber during a        second period of time,    -   (h) flowing a second buffer into the second binding chamber to        remove the non-hybridized first probes from the first eluted        sample after the hybridized complexes bind with the second        affinity matrix,    -   (i) heating the second affinity matrix to elute a second eluted        sample comprising the plurality of hybridized complexes, and    -   (j) binding the hybridized complexes to an active binding        surface for imaging thereof.

In embodiments of this aspect, the target molecule may be a nucleic acidor a protein. In embodiments, the first affinity matrix and the secondaffinity matrix, respectively, correspond to a first set of magneticbeads (e.g., F magnetic beads) and a second set of magnetic beads (e.g.,G magnetic beads). In embodiments, the active binding surface maysurface may comprise streptavidin, an avidin (e.g., Neutravidin™), oroligonucleotides. In embodiments, the first probes include reporterprobes. In embodiments, the second probes include capture probes. Inembodiments, the first binding chamber may be an F binding chamber. Inembodiments, the first period of time may be a period of about 8minutes. In embodiments, the first magnetic beads may be heated to about47° C. for about 7 minutes. In embodiments, the second binding chambermay be a G binding chamber. In embodiments, the second buffer may beF-elution fluid. In embodiments, the second period of time may be aperiod of about 7 minutes. In embodiments, the second buffer may beadded to the second binding chamber in increments of 2μforward and 1 μLbackward. In embodiments, the second buffer may be added in incrementsof about +2.8 μL, +2 μL, −1 μL, +2 μL, −1 μL, +1.5 μL, and 7 μL. Inembodiments, the second magnetic beads may be heated to about 47° C. forabout 7 minutes. In embodiments, the method further comprises a step ofmoving a quantity of the first eluted sample across an affinity matrixpad in a first direction and a second direction. In embodiments, thefirst buffer may be pumped to move sample-bead mixture through the firstbead pad in a first direction and a second direction. In embodiments,the first buffer may be added in increments of approximately +15 μL, and−15 μL. Any of the above aspects and embodiments can be combined withany other aspect or embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. In the Specification, thesingular forms also include the plural unless the context clearlydictates otherwise; as examples, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” areunderstood to be singular or plural and the term “or” is understood tobe inclusive. By way of example, “an element” means one or more element.Throughout the specification the word “comprising,” or variations suchas “comprises” or “comprising,” will be understood to imply theinclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements,integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integeror step, or group of elements, integers or steps. About can beunderstood as within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%,0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clear fromthe context, all numerical values provided herein are modified by theterm “about.”

Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those describedherein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention,suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications,patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety. The references cited hereinare not admitted to be prior art to the claimed invention. In the caseof conflict, the present Specification, including definitions, willcontrol. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples areillustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. Other featuresand advantages of the invention will be apparent from the followingdetailed description and claim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawings will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

The accompanying appendices and/or drawings illustrate variousnon-limiting, example, innovative aspects in accordance with the presentdescriptions:

FIG. 1A shows block diagrams of the major processes according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 1B-E show block diagrams illustrating the basic underlyingchemistry according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed logic flow diagram illustrating a purificationand imaging process according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3A shows a labeled picture of the fluidic cartridge.

FIG. 3B shows the fluidic layer where the two purifications occur.

FIG. 4 shows a pictorial diagram illustrating the layer stack-up tobuild the cartridge according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows a pictorial diagram illustrating a machine that carries outboth fluidics and imaging functions.

FIG. 6A shows pictorial diagrams illustrating where sample is input intothe cartridge according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6B shows where tape is applied after sample input and where isremoved from the buffer ports according (to prevent cross contamination)to some embodiments.

FIGS. 7-9B show pictorial diagrams illustrating an instrument accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows a pictorial diagram illustrating an imaging cartridgeaccording to some embodiments.

FIGS. 11-12 show pictorial diagrams illustrating purifying a sampleaccording to some embodiments.

FIGS. 13A-14 show pictorial diagrams illustrating purifying a sampleaccording to some embodiments.

FIGS. 15-17 show pictorial diagrams illustrating purifying a sampleaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 18 show pictorial diagrams illustrating moving a purified sample toan imaging surface according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 19A-B show graphs illustrating adding the sample to the imagingsurface according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 20-21 show pictorial diagrams illustrating binding a purifiedsample to an imaging surface according to some embodiments.

FIG. 22 shows graphs comparing results obtained with the nCounterAnalysis System and results obtained according to some embodiments ofthe present invention for three nCounter® PanCancer Panels.

FIG. 23 shows a graph illustrating differential gene expression dataobtained according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 24 shows a graph illustrating detection of total RNA or raw celllysates.

FIG. 25 shows a graph illustrating detection of total gene expressionfrom fresh-frozen tissue or from Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE)tissues.

FIG. 26 shows a graph comparing results obtained with the nCounter®Analysis System and results obtained according to some embodiments ofthe present invention for the PanCancer Progression Panel.

FIG. 27 shows a graph comparing results obtained with the nCounter®Analysis System and results obtained according to some embodiments ofthe present invention for the Human Immunology Panel

FIG. 28 shows a graph comparing results obtained with the nCounter®Analysis System and results obtained according to some embodiments ofthe present invention in a copy number variation (CNV) assay.

FIG. 29 shows a graph comparing results obtained with the nCounter®Analysis System and results obtained according to some embodiments ofthe present invention in an a miRNA analysis.

FIG. 30 shows a graph comparing results obtained with the nCounter®Analysis System and results obtained according to some embodiments ofthe present invention for RNA-Protein Profiling data.

The leading number of each reference number within the drawingsindicates the figure in which that reference number is introduced and/ordetailed. As such, a detailed discussion of reference number 101 wouldbe found and/or introduced in FIG. 1. Reference number 201 is introducedin FIG. 2, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before some embodiments of the present disclosure are described indetail, it is to be understood that such embodiments are not limited toparticular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Variouschanges may be made to embodiments described and equivalents may besubstituted without departing from the true spirit and scope ofinventions disclosed herein. In addition, many modifications may be madeto adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter,process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scopeof the present disclosure. All such modifications are intended to bewithin the scope of any and all claims supported by the presentdisclosure.

Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recitedevents which is logically possible, as well as the recited order ofevents. Furthermore, where a range of values is provided, it isunderstood that every intervening value, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range is encompassed within embodiments of the disclosure. Also,it is contemplated that any optional feature of one and/or another ofthe disclosed embodiments described herein may be set forth and claimedindependently, or in combination with any one or more of the featuresdescribed herein.

Reference to a singular item, includes the possibility that there areplural of the same items present. More specifically, as used herein andin the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “and,” “said” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude anyoptional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve asantecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,”“only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements,or use of a “negative” limitation. Unless defined otherwise herein, alltechnical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning ascommonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention belongs.

In some embodiments, a user reading a sample (e.g., a nucleic acidsample) may wish to use a single device to both purify and detect thesample. In some embodiments, using a single device for both purposes mayreduce processing time, likelihood of contamination, cost of performingimaging analysis, reduce the overall system cost, reduce hands ontime/steps, and/or the like.

FIGS. 1A-E show block diagrams illustrating a purification and imagingprocess according to some embodiments. For example, a user of theinstrument may hybridize and/or otherwise prepare a sample forprocessing. Referring to FIG. 1B, in some examples, the user may wish tohybridize a target nucleic acid 114, e.g., using probes configured tobind to the target nucleic acid 114, and including affinity tagsconfigured to bind to magnetic beads. Target nucleic acids 114 mayinclude all forms of nucleic acids (e.g., RNA, DNA, microRNA, and/or thelike). Proteins, and/or any other molecules which can be attached to thecapture and/or reporter probes (e.g., which may be detected through anucleic acid intermediate) may also be hybridized for analysis. Forexample, hybridization may involve mixing target nucleic acids withcapture probes 116 and reporter probes 120. A capture probe 116 mayinclude a biotin moiety used to bind the complex to an imaging surface,and/or an F tag configured to bind to F magnetic beads. A reporter probe120 may include a fluorescent barcode used in the imaging process,and/or a G tag configured to bind to G magnetic beads. When the targetnucleic acid 114 binds to a reporter and capture probe, it may create ahybridized tripartite complex 124 which may then be purified for imagingand/or like processes.

As shown in FIG. 1B, two approximately 50 base pair probes hybridizedirectly to each target molecule in solution to form a hybridizedtripartite complex. The reporter probe carries a specific fluorescentbarcode, and the capture probe contains a biotin moiety that later bindsthe tripartite complex to the imaging surface. Both probes containaffinity tags (called “F” or “G”) that are required for magneticbead-based purification and immobilization

Referring to FIG. 1A, the user may pipet 102 a sample (e.g., ahybridized nucleic acid sample and/or a like hybridized biologicalsample) into a sample cartridge configured to be placed in a cartridgetray of the instrument (which may be handled automatically viaaspects/embodiments of the present disclosure). The hybridizedbiological sample may also include non-hybridized probes which may nothave bound to the genes (e.g., excess probes). The cartridge may alsohave pads (e.g., glass fiber pads) configured to hold magnetic beads.Magnetic beads can be of a plurality of varieties, such as F beads, Gbeads, and/or the like. In some implementations, F beads are magneticbeads coupled to DNA oligonucleotides which are the reverse complementof repeated sequences found on the capture probe, and are used as anaffinity matrix to separate hybridized complexes and free capture and/orreporter probes during purification. The magnetic beads may be drieddown with buffer and a sugar (e.g., trehalose) to stabilize the beadsand to prepare them for suspension in a sample. The cartridge may alsobe configured with on-card buffer input valves configured to receivebuffer from off-card buffer valves (e.g., see 902 of FIG. 9A), andpneumatic valves configured to control flow between binding chambers,elution chambers, and/or like areas used for purification processes andwaste containers configured to hold used elution fluids.

The cartridge may be a multi-layer cartridge (e.g., see 402 in FIG. 4)comprising the following components:

Layers Materials Color 1 250 μm Melinex ® white 2 250 μm ACA Blue 3 250μm PDMS Yellow 4 120 μm PDMS Red 5 250 μm ACA green 6  3 mm PMMA grey

Referring to FIG. 1A, the sample may be introduced to dry magnetic beads(e.g. F magnetic beads (e.g., F beads, anti-F magnetic beads) which arecoupled to a 15-mer DNA oligonucleotide, 5′-GCT GTG ATG ATA GAC-3′ (SEQID NO: 1), complementary to the repeats on the capture probe) configuredto remove excess of at least one type of probe (e.g., the reporterprobes) from the hybridized sample (e.g., see 104 of FIG. 1A). The Fbeads may be dried down in 5× SSPE and 40% trehalose on pads (e.g., see309 of FIG. 3A; bead pad is partially hidden under bubble vent). In someembodiments, the F beads and the sample may be combined in a bindingchamber (e.g., see 308 of FIGS. 3A & 3B) configured to facilitate thebinding of the F beads to the hybridized tripartite complex molecules(e.g., see 126 of FIG. 1C), and to allow for the beads to be washed suchthat at least some of the unhybridized probes (e.g., reporter probes)are washed from the sample (e.g., see 128 of FIG. 1C). The bindingchamber may be configured with an elution channel (e.g., see 310 ofFIGS. 3A & 3B) which may allow for the beads be heated (e.g., to 47° C.)and the sample to be eluted (e.g., see 130 of FIG. 1C).

The sample may then be passed to a second magnetic bead binding chamber(e.g., see 106 of FIG. 1A & 314 of FIGS. 3A & 3B) which may beconfigured to hold another set of magnetic beads (e.g., G magneticbeads, also known as G beads and/or anti-G magnetic beads, which arecoupled to a 15-mer DNA oligonucleotide, 5′-GGT CTG TGT GAT GTT-3′ (SEQID NO: 2), complementary to the repeats on the reporter probe) which maybe able to bind to the reporter probes of the hybridized tripartitecomplex molecules (e.g., see 132 of FIG. 1C). The second magnetic beadbinding chamber (e.g., see 314 of FIGS. 3A & 3B) may also allow forwashing the sample to remove excess molecules of another type of probe(e.g., capture probes) from the hybridized sample (e.g., see 134 of FIG.1C). The G beads may be dried down on a pad in 20× SSPE and 40%trehalose (e.g., see 312 of FIG. 3A). The G-bead binding chamber mayalso be configured with an elution channel (e.g., see 315 of FIGS. 3A &3B) which may also facilitate elution (e.g., at 47° C.) of thehybridized tripartite complex molecules from the beads (e.g., see 136 ofFIG. 1C).

As shown in FIG. 1 C, after benchtop hybridization, samples aretransferred to the nCounter® instrument. Excess probes are removedthrough two rounds of magnetic bead-based purification. First anti-Fmagnetic beads bind to tripartite complexes as well as to unboundcapture probes. Unbound reporter probes are washed away, and theremaining components are eluted. Second, anti-G magnetic beads bind tothe reporter probes. At this state, all remaining reporter probes arehybridized to their respective target nucleic acids. Unbound captureprobes are washed away. A final elution step leaves only purifiedtripartite complexes.

Another example uses a porous polymer matrix instead of magnetic beads.The surface can be activated by attaching oligonucleotides. These porouspolymer materials are very inexpensive substrates and offer significantcost reduction compared to magnetic beads. One effective porous polymermatrixes is high density polyethylene with pore sizes of 25, 75 and 125mm nominal.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the sample (which may now be purified of theexcess probe molecules) may then be passed to an imaging surface 108(e.g., a streptavidin surface) to be stretched and immobilized forimaging 110. For example, referring to FIG. 1D, the biotin moieties inthe capture probes within the tripartite complexes may bind to theimaging surface 138. The instrument may then flow buffer and/or likefluids on the imaging surface of the microfluidic cartridge 140 (e.g.,see 316 of FIG. 3A) to elongate and align the complexes on the surface.In some implementations the buffer and/or like fluid may also contain amolecule (e.g., biotinylated anti-G oligonucleotides and/or likemolecules) which may facilitate binding of reporter probes in thetripartite complexes to the imaging surface 142. The instrument may thendetect the complexes in the sample in order to generate a resultinggraphic and/or numerical representation of the detected molecules 112.For example, the instrument may include an epifluorescence microscopeconfigured to count the fluorescent barcodes of the reporter probes inthe tripartite complexes, and to match the count to correspondingmolecular targets in order to identify the molecule in the sample (e.g.,see FIG. 1E).

As shown in FIG. 1D, after purification, samples move to the imagingsurface, which is coated with streptavidin. Biotin moieties on eachcapture probe bind to the imaging surface. Flow within the microfluidiccartridge then elongates and aligns the tripartite complexes. Theimmobilization buffer contains biotinylated anti-G oligonucleotides thatanchor the reporter probes to the imaging surface.

As shown in FIG. 1E, samples are imaged by an epifluorescence microscopewith the nCounter® instrument. Barcodes are counted and matched withtheir corresponding targets. Counts for each target are exported in acomma-separated value file.

FIG. 2 shows a logic flow diagram illustrating a purification andimaging process according some embodiments. For example, the user mayhybridize a sample (e.g., a biological sample; see 114 in FIG. 1B) withexcess capture and reporter probes 202 at approximately 65° C. The usermay then place the hybridized sample (e.g., via pipetting a portion ofthe hybridized sample) into a sample input area 204 (e.g., also see 302of FIG. 3A, 602 of FIG. 6A) configured to hold the biological sample.The sample input ports in the sample input area may be coned to allowfor easier pipetting. The user may use a single-channel or multi-channelpipet to transfer the sample. In some embodiments, the user may seal thesample inputs (e.g., with transparent tape as shown at 604 of FIG. 6B)and may remove a seal (e.g., opaque tape as shown at 606 of FIG. 6B)from a buffer input area (e.g., see 304 of FIG. 3A) configured toreceive buffer from the instrument.

The user may load the cartridge onto a cartridge tray (e.g., tray 702 inFIG. 7) in the instrument 206. FIGS. 8-9B illustrate a clamp motorand/or other mechanisms for holding, moving, and heating the cartridge,as well as imaging the sample on the cartridge and transferring fluidsto and from the cartridge. For example, the cartridge tray may be loadedinto an instrument nest as the tray moves inside the device, and mayconnect to a fluidic manifold and imaging reference surfaces operativelyconnected above the cartridge, with heaters and bottom contact pointspositioned below the cartridge and configured to push the cartridge upagainst the fluidic manifold, and imaging reference points with cammechanism and springs (e.g., see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9B). Additionally, theinstrument may include a fluidic manifold 906 operatively coupled tooff-card buffer input valves 902 and waste valves 904, which may connectto the cartridge and provide fluids to the cartridge, or remove usedfluids from the cartridge, respectively.

The device may automatically determine whether the cartridge has beencorrectly loaded, and may also make sure that reagent (e.g., buffer) andwaste bottles (e.g., 502 in FIG. 5) are correctly connected to thecartridge, and that the reagent bottles have sufficient levels of bufferand/or similar fluids. In some embodiments, the user may be prompted toreplace reagent bottles if more fluid is required (e.g., via screen 504in FIG. 5), and/or the like.

The instrument may then move the sample from the sample input area via aflow (e.g., 304), through a bubble vent and/or trap (e.g., a hydrophobicmembrane; see 306 in FIG. 3A) configured with an air bubble to separatethe sample from the buffer. This bubble prevents sample dispersion byseparating the two liquids. In some implementations binding chambers(e.g., such as the F binding chamber and the G binding chamber) can holdmagnetic beads and/or other molecule-binding apparatus for purificationof a sample. The F binding chamber may hold dry F magnetic beads whichmay be configured to bind to excess probe molecules (e.g., excessreporter probe molecules) in the hybridized sample (e.g., see 126 ofFIG. 1C). The instrument may move the sample & beads (e.g., 15 μL backand forth repeatedly) with a pump over the porous bead pads 210 in orderto better facilitate resuspension and binding of the F beads to theexcess capture probes and to the sample molecules (e.g., see FIG. 11).The F beads may settle out of the solution; therefore the movement maybe necessary in order to keep them suspended in the solution. The bubblevent (e.g., see 1002 in FIG. 10) may be physically positioned betweenthe sample input area (e.g., see 1004 in FIG. 10) and F-binding chamber(e.g., see 308 in FIGS. 3A & 3B), and may be configured to eliminatebubbles, especially the large bubble between the sample and buffer aftermixing and binding has finished. However, it is important the bubblebetween the sample and buffer does not pass the bubble vent during thismixing process in order to maintain sufficient backpressure to pull thesample back instead of pulling air through the bubble vent.

In some embodiments, moving a magnet pair back and forth across thechamber may be done instead of moving the sample back and forth withflow. Magnets may be used in pairs to generate a complex magnetic fieldsuitable for mixing. The dead spot above and between the magnets may becritical for good mixing. The magnet speed may be related to chambersize and bead amounts (for example).

The binding process may, in some embodiments, last at least 8 minutes(for example). The bubble from the bubble vent may then be removed 212during the mixing of the hybridized sample to the F beads. A magnet(e.g., an F magnet; see 1202 in FIG. 12) in the instrument configured tomove parallel to the cartridge, may be moved under the F binding chamberin order to collect the F beads 214, and to hold them in place as theyare washed with an elution buffer 216 added from the buffer input area.The elution buffer may facilitate removal of at least one type ofnon-hybridized probes (e.g., non-hybridized reporter or capture probes;(e.g., see 128 of FIG. 1C)) from the F beads. During the multistage washstep, beads may be moved around in the F binding chamber by moving themagnet (e.g., see 1302 in FIG. 13A). This movement and spreading out ofthe beads may allow for better washing of the captured beads.

The beads, via the magnet, may then be pushed into an F elution channel218 (e.g., also see 310 of FIGS. 3A and 3B), which may be connected to aheater (e.g., an F heater; see 1304 in FIG. 13B) which may be configuredto heat the F beads 220 (e.g., to 47° C. for four minutes) in order toelute the sample molecules from the F beads (e.g., see 130 of FIG. 1C).The F beads, after the heating process, may be returned to the F bindingchamber 222 (e.g., see FIG. 14) as the eluted sample is moved into asecond binding chamber 224 (e.g., a G binding chamber; see 314 in FIGS.3A or 3B), configured to facilitate the binding of a second set of drymagnetic beads (e.g., G magnetic beads) to the hybridized tripartitecomplex molecules.

A stepwise fluid introduction and flow mixing process may be utilizedwith the G magnetic beads and the eluted sample in order to achieveproper bead re-suspension and sample binding 226. The G magnetic beadsmay bind to reporter probes and/or other probes which may still beattached to the sample molecules (e.g., see 132 of FIG. 1C). Forexample, introduction of the F-eluted sample into the G binding chambermay be performed in repeated small steps of 2 μL forward followed by 1μL backward. The back and forth of fluid may help re-suspend the G beadsand make the systems insensitive to small differences in bead pad/beadpocket size. This back and forth mixing can occur through the porouspad. In some embodiments, an exact flow profile may be +5 μL, −4 μL, +5μL, −4 μL, +5 μL. Binding may occur for a specified period of time,before another 7 μL is introduced. In some embodiments (e.g., see FIG.15), elutions may be flowed one lane at a time 1502 until all elutionshave been flowed into lanes 1504 (e.g., the process may take 7 minutes).

An imaging chamber, meanwhile, may be washed 228 in order to removemolecules (e.g., trehalose and free avidin) while the G beads are boundto the eluted sample. A magnet (e.g., a G magnet; see 1204 in FIG. 12)may be moved under the G binding chamber 230 in order to collect all ofthe G beads and hold them as a heater (e.g., the F heater) heats the Fbinding & elution chamber 232 (e.g., to 35° C.). Meanwhile an elutionbuffer (e.g., warmed by the heater) may be washed over the G beads inorder to facilitate removal of excess non-hybridized capture probes fromthe G beads (e.g., see 134 of FIG. 1C). The beads may then be moved to aG elution chamber (e.g., see 315 in FIGS. 3A and 3B and 1602 and 1604 inFIG. 16) via the magnet 234, such that a second heater (e.g., a Gheater; see 1306 in FIG. 13B and 1702 in FIG. 17) configured to releasethe purified sample (e.g. tripartite complexes) from the G beads, may beinitiated 236.

The G heater may be run at 47° C. for 4 minutes to release the samplefrom the beads (e.g., see 136 of FIG. 1C). The magnet may then move theG beads back to the binding chamber 238, and the purified sample may bemoved 240 (e.g., see FIG. 18) into a binding area of an SA surface(e.g., see 316 in FIGS. 3A and 3B). Flow rate into the chamber may beperformed in steps that are about half the volume of the chamber or less(e.g., approximately 0.25 μL, every 78 seconds). The small elutionvolume and the controlled flow (using a syringe pump instead ofgravity), allows for faster and more efficient binding.

In some embodiments, dynamic sequencing of twelve lanes may be performedin order to equalize flow volume of eluted samples binding to SAsurface. For example, approximately 0.25 μL, may be flowed every 76seconds on each lane. The stepping may be done in sequence: 0.25 μL,steps every 6.3 seconds per lane in a sequence (e.g., lanes one throughtwelve), which may result in 12*6.3=75.6 seconds of wait time on everylane for every 0.25 μL, step. Because twelve valves may be opened andclosed in sequence for twelve separate lanes and move only a smallvolume, the displacement volume of each individual valve may affect thelane to lane reporter count variability. The variation in displacementvolume from the pump by itself may not affect variability; however thedifference in displacement volumes due to the valves may have a bigeffect on variability. The displacement of each valve may be estimated(e.g., see 1902 in FIG. 19A) by using the pressure reading difference ofclosed vs open state of the valve. Minimization of lane to lanevariability may require minimization of displacement volume variabilityby re-ordering the lanes. To minimize the variability, the instrumentmay start pushing from the valve that has highest displacement volumethen the second highest and so forth finishing with the smallest. Thetransition from smallest to highest may have the most negative effect;to correct that, the instrument may be configured to push an extra 0.083μL on that single lane (e.g., 0.333 μL instead of 0.25 μL; see 1904 ofFIG. 19B).

In some embodiments (e.g., in FIG. 20), the SA surface may be a surfacecoated with streptavidin, and may bind to the hybridized probes in thesample 2002 (e.g., see also 138 in FIG. 1D). There, the molecules in thepurified, second-eluted sample may be stretched and immobilized 242 onthe SA surface (e.g., also see 2102 in FIGS. 21 and 140 & 142 of FIG.1D), e.g., via a single solution comprising at least G-hooks(biotinylated anti-G 15mer oligo), mounting media (anti-fade), andfiducials (multispectral biotinylated fluorescent 100 nm beads, i.e.,diffraction limited), and being added to the SA surface at a particularflow rate (e.g., see 2104 in FIG. 21, which is a graph indicating flowrates that may be utilized). The G hooks are used to immobilize down thesecond end of the reporter during stretching. The mounting media ispresent to prevent photo bleaching and photo-destruction of the DNA (dueto light interaction with dyes that create free-radicals that can breakthe DNA backbone). The fiducials produce a fluorescent signal (in allchannels) that is used to align images. G-hooks, mounting media,fiducials, and the stretching buffer were required to be in separatesolutions in previously-described electrostretching-based immobilizationprocesses. In some embodiments, the process may replace four buffers andmay eliminate the need for electrodes and a power supply. It may alsoeliminate a G-hook contamination problem, which is caused by G-hooksslicking to the electrodes in previous designs and carrying over intosubsequent sample runs. The instrument may then detect the stretchedmolecules 244 from the SA surface on the cartridge and produce an output(e.g. an image, a report, and/or the like) for the user (e.g., see 144of FIG. 1E). In some embodiments, the instrument may have a low costoptics subcomponent that uses a three LED illumination system.

The instrument may also perform binding gradient and area optimizationbased on density. The binding to the Streptavidin surface may generate areporter binding gradient over the channel—higher density at one end(inlet) with gradual decrease toward the other end (outlet). Based onthe reporter density determined by an initial scanning survey, thelocation of imaging area may be selected for the optimal datacollection. Selecting the final scan area in the high density side(close to the inlet end) may generally collect more data. However, inthe case of too high binding density, the scan may start from a lessdense area by moving the scan area farther from the inlet end. Thisscheme increases the dynamic range of sample concentration.

During imaging, mounting media may be exchanged to minimizephoto-destruction and minimize non-specific binding of residualnon-functional reporters by eliminating free reporters. If any freereporters are left floating free in the imaging chamber, the flow ofimaging buffer wash them out, thus preventing binding via G-hooks insolution.

Additional teaching relevant to the present invention are described inone or more of the following: U.S. 2011/0086774, U.S. 2011/0145176, U.S.2011/0201515, U.S. 2011/0229888, U.S. 2013/0004482, U.S. 2013/0017971,U.S. 2013/0178372, U.S. 2013/0230851, U.S. 2013/0337444, U.S.2013/0345161, U.S. 2014/0005067, U.S. 2014/0017688, U.S. 2014/0037620,U.S. 2014/0087959, U.S. 2014/0154681, U.S. 2014/0162251, U.S.2014/0371088, U.S. 2015/0072021, U.S. 2015/0252440, U.S. Pat. Nos.7,473,767, 7,919,237, 7,941,279, 8,148,512, 8,415,102, 8,492,094,8,519,115, 8,986,926, 9,066,963, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,181,588, each ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The following example is offered by way of illustration and not by wayof limitation.

EXAMPLE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide superior detection andquantification of gene expression and protein synthesis.

As shown in FIG. 22, embodiments effectively detect targets from threenCounter® PanCancer Panels: the PanCancer Pathways panel, the PanCancerProgression panel, and the PanCancer Immune Profiling panel. Here, dataobtained from embodiments (identified in as “nCounter SPRINT Profiler”)are correlated with data obtained from the nCounter® Analysis System. Asshown in FIG. 23, embodiments enable identification of differentiallyexpressed genes in lymphoma samples. As shown in FIG. 24, embodimentscan detect gene expression in purified total RNA or in raw cell lysates;it is notable that assays require limited sample preparation. As shownin FIG. 25, embodiments provide reliable, trustworthy detection of geneexpression with various sample types, including, but not limited to,fresh-frozen tissue and Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissues.As shown in FIG. 26, embodiments effectively detect gene expression forthe PanCancer Progression Panel and with highly correlated results withrespect to results obtained with the nCounter® Analysis System. It isnoteworthy that embodiments of the present invention (identified as“SPRINT”) used half as much sample input (by weight) as used with thenCounter® Analysis System (identified as “Analysis System”). As shown inFIG. 27, embodiments effectively detect targets in the Human ImmunologyPanel. Here, data obtained from embodiments (identified as “nCounterSPRINT Profiler”) are correlated with data obtained from the nCounter®Analysis System. As shown in FIG. 28, embodiments effectively quantifytargets in a copy number variation (CNV) assay. Similar copy number datawere obtained for DNA samples run on embodiments of the presentinvention (identified as “nCounter SPRINT Profiler”) and the nCounter®Analysis System. Here, copy number data for each gene is directly abovea tick mark on the X-axis. Thus, a vertically-related pair comprising asquare (data from embodiments of the present invention) and circle (datafrom the nCounter® Analysis System) represent data for a particulargene. As shown in FIG. 29, embodiments effectively detect miRNA targets.Here, data obtained from embodiments are correlated with data obtainedfrom the nCounter® Analysis System. As shown in FIG. 30, embodimentseffectively detect RNA and protein targets. Here, data obtained fromembodiments (identified as “nCounter SPRINT Profiler”) are correlatedwith data obtained from the nCounter® Analysis System.

Any and all references to publications or other documents, including butnot limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, webpages, books,etc., presented in the present application, are herein incorporated byreference in their entirety, except insofar as the subject matter mayconflict with that of the embodiments of the present disclosure (inwhich case what is present herein shall prevail). The referenced itemsare provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of thepresent application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admissionthat any invention disclosed herein is not entitled to antedate suchmaterial by virtue of prior invention.

Although example embodiments of the devices, systems and methods havebeen described herein, other modifications are possible. As notedelsewhere, these embodiments have been described for illustrativepurposes only and are not limiting. Other embodiments are possible andare covered by the disclosure, which will be apparent from the teachingscontained herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of the disclosure shouldnot be limited by any of the above-described embodiments but should bedefined only in accordance with claims supported by the presentdisclosure and their equivalents. In addition, any logic flow depictedin the above disclosure and/or accompanying figures may not require theparticular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirableresults. Moreover, embodiments of the subject disclosure may includemethods, systems and devices which may further include any and allelements from any other disclosed methods, systems, and devices,including any and all elements corresponding to gene purification andimaging. In other words, elements from one and/or another disclosedembodiment may be interchangeable with elements from other disclosedembodiments. In addition, one or more features/elements of disclosedembodiments may be removed and still result in patentable subject matter(and thus, resulting in yet more embodiments of the subject disclosure).In addition, some embodiments of the present disclosure aredistinguishable from the prior art for expressly not requiring oneand/or another features disclosed in the prior art (e.g., someembodiments may include negative limitations). Some of the embodimentsdisclosed herein are within the scope of at least some of the followingclaims of the numerous claims which are supported by the presentdisclosure which may be presented.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cartridge configured for purifying a hybridizedtarget molecule sample and imaging a hybridized target molecule,comprising: a sample input area configured to hold a target moleculesample, the sample comprising: a plurality of hybridized complexescomprising a plurality of target molecules each hybridized with a firstprobe and a second probe, a plurality of non-hybridized first probes,and a plurality of non-hybridized second probes; a first binding chamberconfigured to receive or contain a first affinity matrix and to receivethe sample, wherein: the first affinity matrix is functionalized withfirst molecules configured to bind with the non-hybridized first probesand hybridized complexes of the sample during a first period of time;the first binding chamber is additionally configured to receive a firstbuffer to remove non-hybridized second probes from the sample after thenon-hybridized first probes and hybridized complexes of the sample bindwith the first affinity matrix; a first elution channel attached to thefirst binding chamber and a means for heating, and which is configuredto receive the first affinity matrix after the first period of time andconfigured for heating the first affinity matrix to elute a first elutedsample comprising the plurality of hybridized complexes and plurality ofnon-hybridized first probes; a second binding chamber configured toreceive or contain a second affinity matrix and to receive the firsteluted sample, wherein: the second affinity matrix is functionalizedwith second molecules configured to bind with the hybridized complexesduring a second period of time; the second binding chamber isadditionally configured to receive a second buffer to remove at leastnon-hybridized first probes; a second elution channel attached to thesecond binding chamber and a means for heating, and which is configuredto receive the second affinity matrix after the second period of timeand configured for heating the second affinity matrix to elute a secondeluted sample comprising the plurality of hybridized complexes; and abinding area having an active binding surface configured to receive thesecond eluted sample and bind with the hybridized complexes.
 2. Thecartridge of claim 1, wherein the target molecule is a nucleic acid or aprotein.
 3. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first affinity matrixand the second affinity matrix correspond to a first set of magneticbeads and a second set of magnetic beads, respectively.
 4. The cartridgeof claim 1, wherein the active binding surface comprises one ofstreptavidin, an avidin, and oligonucleotides.
 5. The cartridge of claim3, wherein the cartridge further comprises: a plurality of buffer inputareas, a plurality of first binding chambers, a plurality of wasteoutput areas, and a plurality of bead pads.
 6. The cartridge of claim 1,wherein the first probes include capture probes.
 7. The cartridge ofclaim 1, wherein the second probes include reporter probes.
 8. Thecartridge of claim 5, wherein the bubble vent configured to separate thesample input and the first binding chamber and to eliminate air bubbles.9. The cartridge of claim 3, wherein the first magnetic beads includeoligonucleotide-coupled magnetic beads.
 10. The cartridge of claim 9,wherein the oligonucleotide-coupled magnetic beads include F magneticbeads.
 11. The cartridge of claim 3, wherein the second magnetic beadsinclude oligonucleotide-coupled magnetic beads.
 12. The cartridge ofclaim 11, wherein the oligonucleotide-coupled magnetic beads include Gmagnetic beads.
 13. The cartridge of claim 1, the cartridge beingoperatively coupled to: a plurality of off-card buffer input valvesoperatively coupled to a fluidic manifold; and a plurality of wastevalves.
 14. The cartridge of claim 1, the cartridge further comprising:a plurality of on-card buffer input valves operatively coupled to afluidic manifold.
 15. The cartridge of claim 13, wherein the pluralityof off-card buffer input valves are configured to receive the firstbuffer and the second buffer from the fluidic manifold and provide thebuffer to the cartridge.
 16. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the flowof the second eluted sample onto the binding area is done in small stepsthat are re-ordered based on pressure profiles.
 17. The cartridge ofclaim 1, wherein the binding area is further configured to receive asolution formulated to immobilize the second eluted sample on the activebinding surface after stretching with flow.
 18. The cartridge of claim17, wherein the solution includes G-hooks, anti-fade media, andfiducials.
 19. A cartridge configured for purifying a hybridized targetmolecule sample and imaging the hybridized target molecule, comprising:a buffer input area configured to hold a target molecule sample, thesample comprising: a plurality of hybridized complexes including aplurality of target molecules, and each of reporter probes and captureprobes, a plurality of non-hybridized reporter probes, and a pluralityof non-hybridized capture probes; a bubble vent configured to separatethe sample input and the first binding chamber and to eliminate airbubbles; a first binding chamber configured to receive or contain Fmagnetic beads and to receive the sample, wherein: the F magnetic beadsare functionalized with first molecules configured to bind with thenon-hybridized reporter probes and hybridized complexes of the sampleduring a first period of time; the first binding chamber is additionallyconfigured to receive a first buffer to remove non-hybridized reporterprobes from the sample after the non-hybridized reporter probes andhybridized complexes of the sample bind with the F magnetic beads; afirst elution channel attached to the first binding chamber and a meansfor heating, and which is configured to receive the F magnetic beadsafter the first period of time and configured for heating the F magneticbeads to elute a first eluted sample comprising the plurality ofhybridized complexes and plurality of non-hybridized reporter probes; asecond binding chamber configured to receive or contain G magnetic beadsand to receive the first eluted sample, wherein: the G magnetic beadsare functionalized with second molecules configured to bind with thehybridized complexes during a second period of time; the second bindingchamber is additionally configured to receive a second buffer remove atleast non-hybridized capture probes; a second elution channel attachedto the second binding chamber and a means for heating, and which isconfigured to receive the G magnetic beads after the second period oftime and configured for heating the G magnetic beads to elute a secondeluted sample comprising the plurality of hybridized complexes; abinding area having an active binding surface configured to receive thesecond eluted sample and bind with the hybridized complexes; wherein thecartridge is operatively coupled to: a plurality of off-card bufferinput valves operatively coupled to a fluidic manifold, the plurality ofoff-card buffer input valves being configured to receive the firstbuffer and the second buffer from the fluidic manifold and provide thefirst and buffer to the cartridge; and a plurality of waste valvesconfigured to collect the first and second buffer from the cartridge.20. A system for imaging a plurality of hybridized complexes comprising;a cartridge according to claim 1; a cartridge tray operatively coupledto the system and configured to hold the cartridge; a first heateroperatively coupled to the cartridge; a second heater operativelycoupled to the cartridge; a magnet operatively coupled to the imagingdevice below the cartridge tray; a fluidic manifold operatively coupledto the system above the cartridge tray and configured to hold andcontrol the flow of a plurality of buffers; a plurality of off-cardbuffer input valves operatively coupled to the fluidic manifold and thecartridge; a plurality of waste valves operatively coupled to the systemabove the cartridge tray; and an imaging reference surface operativelycoupled to the imaging device above the cartridge tray.
 21. A method forpurifying a hybridized target molecule sample and imaging the hybridizedtarget molecule, comprising: providing the cartridge of claim 1;receiving a hybridized sample, the sample comprising a plurality ofhybridized complexes comprising target molecules hybridized with firstprobes and second probes, a plurality of non-hybridized first probes,and a plurality of non-hybridized second probes; binding thenon-hybridized first probes and hybridized complexes of the sample to afirst affinity matrix in a first binding chamber during a first periodof time; flowing a first buffer into the first binding chamber to removenon-hybridized second probes from the sample after the non-hybridizedfirst probes and hybridized complexes of the sample bind with the firstaffinity matrix; directing the first affinity matrix into a firstelution channel; heating the first affinity matrix to elute a firsteluted sample comprising the plurality of hybridized complexes andplurality of non-hybridized first probes; binding the hybridizedcomplexes of the first eluted sample to a second affinity matrix in asecond binding chamber during a second period of time; flowing a secondbuffer into the second binding chamber to remove the non-hybridizedfirst probes from the first eluted sample after the hybridized complexesbind with the second affinity matrix; heating the second affinity matrixto elute a second eluted sample comprising the plurality of hybridizedcomplexes; and binding the hybridized complexes to an active bindingsurface for imaging thereof.